Girlfriendology, as you know, is “the online community for women based on female friendship.” To me, this is all girls and women – whatever age, demographics, your mommy/non-mommy status, economic level and religious beliefs. It’s universal. We NEED girlfriends. All of us.

Recently I submitted one of my favorite quotes to an editor. I wanted to share it with you, but I’ve been a little hesitant. The reference to ‘God’ may make some feel like I’m ‘preaching’ or saying you have to share the same beliefs as I have. (To be upfront here, my dad was a minister but I never intended to follow in his footsteps, albeit I would have done anything to make him proud!)

I am spiritual, I admit. I have a strong faith that showers me with love, hope, peace and wonderful friends who encourage and support me. I believe I have a purpose on this planet and, to be completely honest, I feel it is to make a difference by encouraging female friendships. (For example – if you’re a better friend, then your friends will be better friends to others = the ripple effect. Plus, if you have friends in other areas of the city/world, you care what happens there – we’re more compassionate and committed to each other. Just a plan to change the world, one friendship at a time. Really.)

I created Girlfriendology to, in some ways, ‘love on people’ the way the Bible instructs us. But I also am committed to a community where everyone is welcome, regardless of their personal beliefs. All women have friends (hopefully!) and that’s where our common ground is and where I hope to inspire you/them to spend time together, create memories, forge friendships and appreciate those amazing relationships that keep us healthy, happy and less stressed. And, per a recent study, feeling more beautiful because we have girlfriends!

So, with that HUGE disclaimer, here is one of my favorite quotes. It reminds me that I do have the power to make a difference. That I need to step into my power and claim my dreams. And, that I need to encourage other women to do the same. I hope this encourages you like it does me:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson (pictured above)

What’s your favorite quote?

Share something that inspires you. You just might inspire someone who needs it. You might remind them too that ‘we are all meant to shine.’ Thanks Girlfriends. It is an honor and blessing to be in this community of women with you!

Tags: Belief, community for women, favorite quote, friendship, inspire others, Marianne Williamson, Power, Religion, Religious belief

This entry was posted on Friday, August 29th, 2008 at 10:07 am and is filed under Be a Better FRIEND. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.